Road test: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX

Road test: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX

Sporty compact has performance plus

The Subaru faithful won’t agree, but the sleek styling of the all-new 2008 Impreza WRX is a huge improvement over the quirky looks of the previous generation.

The Japanese automaker has enjoyed success as a niche player, developing a small but loyal following with its Impreza lineup led by its scorching-hot STi sedan. But new management at Subaru Canada is keen to carve out a bigger slice of the market, and abandoning the 2007 Impreza’s boxy shape and weird front fascia for a more mainstream design is sure to help boost sales.

The third-generation Impreza features a more conventional look, with more than a hint of European styling influence. True, this new design might not stand out as much in a crowd, but it certainly has more mass appeal. Subaru has stretched the new platform’s wheelbase by 95 millimetres, resulting in an improved ride and increased interior space. The rear strut suspension of the previous model has been replaced by a double wishbone system that not only improves the car’s already agile handling characteristics, it boosts trunk space as well.

The best news, however, is that, although its funky look has been abandoned, the spirited soul of this sport compact remains intact.The WRX four-door sedan; a five-door hatchback is also available < is powered by the 2.5-litre turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder boxer engine that has established Subaru as a serious compact performance brand.

From the moment I slipped the shifter into the first of five gears, released the clutch and gave the go pedal a hefty nudge, it was obvious the 224 horses under the hood were as keen as their ancestors to gallop.

As the revs in this smooth engine increase and the turbo boost kicks in, you’d best be ready to grab another gear because, with even more low-end torque on tap (226 pound-feet at 2,800 rpm), there’s no time wasted responding to any urges to let loose. And with Subaru’s benchmark symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, none of that energy is wasted in wheelspin, the WRX just hunkers down and goes.

Even during some unfavourable driving conditions, the WRX maintained its composure, helping me keep mine as well. For added confidence, the WRX comes with standard vehicle dynamics and traction control.

Aficionados of the previous generation can be assured no compromises have been made to the outstanding handling associated with the WRX. The new Impreza platform is stiffer and stronger, making the 2008 edition’s road manners even more impressive.

One tweak Subaru engineers made was to lower the engine mounting position, which drops the centre of gravity to further improve handling. The result is that, on highway access ramps and lovely winding secondary roads, the WRX is a pure pleasure to drive.

The changes to the chassis have also helped reduce noise levels in the cabin. On highway runs, in particular, the tester was impressively quiet compared with others in its category.

The WRX’s interior has been redesigned as well; the result is a roomy cabin with a nod to quality, such as double stitching on fabric seams and soft-touch plastics; things you might not expect in a compact sedan. The designers created a twin-cockpit layout, with a metal-trimmed centre stack flowing down to the console. The instruments are grouped nicely in front of the driver in a trio of gauge pods, and they’re the slick, easy-to-read electro-luminescent type used previously in the STi.

The sport-type bucket seats are especially comfortable, providing good support even when the driving experience becomes a bit enthusiastic. I found head, hip and legroom more than adequate for my bulky 6-foot-1 frame.

However, although the stretched wheelbase is supposed to create more rear-seat legroom, it still was rather snug when I had my seat positioned back in its tracks. With a shorter person up front, this would be less of an issue.

Pricing for the four-door WRX sedan with the six-speed manual is $32,995; the five-door hatch is $33,895. If you prefer a sporty compact sedan with plenty of performance but a more subtle look, the new WRX is an ideal choice.